The brain drain phenomenon primarily affects skilled professionals who migrate to developed countries in search of better employment opportunities and living conditions. Over the past decade, many Cypriots have left the island, settling in major economic hubs in the United Kingdom and the United States in pursuit of enhanced career prospects.

Following Greece’s model, President Nikos Christodoulides is promoting a strategy to encourage the return of skilled Cypriot professionals. His goal is to persuade young scientists and experts working abroad to return and contribute to Cyprus’s economy.

According to information obtained by Brief, President Christodoulides will travel to London on May 21, 2025, for the first official presentation of his repatriation package to Cypriot professionals. In June, he will visit the United States for a similar event.

During these presentations, he will outline tax incentives for those returning to Cyprus and potential benefits for businesses that hire them.

The repatriation strategy aims to address the expectations of skilled professionals by offering:

• Attractive working conditions, including performance-based financial and non-financial incentives.
• Remote work flexibility, allowing employees to work from home on select days.
• Investment incentives, fostering research and development collaborations between universities and businesses.
• Innovation ecosystem development, creating a dynamic professional environment.

President Christodoulides will present a series of key arguments to encourage Cypriots to trust their home country, including:

1. A strong and competitive economy with growth potential.
2. Digital transformation initiatives in both public and private sectors.
3. Bureaucracy reduction to enhance economic competitiveness.
4. The introduction of the "Digital Citizen" platform to streamline services.
5. Increased disposable income, pension reforms for secure retirements, and labor market support.
6. Investment in research and innovation, along with the establishment of a Business Support Center.
7. Public sector reforms, focusing on governance and institutional modernization.
8. Legal and financial oversight reforms, including updates to the Central Bank of Cyprus for better financial sector regulation.
9. Judicial system modernization, aiming to speed up court procedures.

The Christodoulides initiative also seeks to combat the brain drain by offering competitive wages, job security, and career advancement opportunities in Cyprus.

During his presentations, the President will highlight key sectors in need of high-caliber professionals, such as: Shipping, Energy, and Financial Services.

Last month, following a Cabinet meeting, President Christodoulides stated that his efforts would be supported by Cypriot and foreign business leaders actively seeking talent.

“We will go with the aim—and I believe it will be successful—of bringing back Cypriots to our country and achieving brain gain instead of brain drain,” he remarked.